Environmental Sec. Beaton to Attend "Ms. G" Groundhog Day Event at Drumlin Farm

Release Date:
January 30, 2018

LINCOLN, Ma. —State Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew A. Beaton will join the Groundhog Day celebration at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln Friday, Feb. 2, when Ms. G, the Official Groundhog of the Commonwealth, will make her annual prediction on the length of the remaining winter.

If Ms. G sees her shadow, we can plan for six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will come early this year. The live groundhog forecast will begin at 10 am, followed by winter activities such as meeting our resident wildlife, exploring our wilderness trails, and learning how to identify animal tracks in the snow. Hot cocoa will be provided.

“The celebration of Groundhog Day is an excellent way to combine important climate and wildlife science with the anticipation of warmer weather,” Secretary Beaton said.  “The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to work with Mass Audubon and other environmental stakeholders to protect the Commonwealth’s natural resources and wildlife.”

Mass Audubon President Gary Clayton said Beaton’s presence at this family-friendly gathering will reinforce the idea that people of all ages and backgrounds can appreciate the Commonwealth’s biodiversity—including through engagement with a toothy, furry weather forecaster. “We welcome the Secretary’s participation,” Clayton said, “and value our longtime partnership with his office and the state’s environmental agencies in encouraging residents to connect with the nature of Massachusetts.”

Drumlin Farm will be open on February 2 from 9 am–4 pm. This special event takes place from 10 am to noon and is free with paid admission ($9 adults and teens, $6 children 2–12 and seniors) and free for Mass Audubon members.

Featured Programs:

  • Learn the forecast for spring’s arrival from our woodchuck weather expert
  • Visit with more of our resident wildlife and farm animals, learn about winter tracking, and explore the wildlife sanctuary’s trails
  • Make  winter crafts to take home
  • Investigate our local climate with Don McCasland of Blue Hill Observatory Science Center
  • Purchase produce grown at Drumlin Farm
  • Learn about how climate change impacts hibernating species in New England
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Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at www.massaudubon.org.